{"product_id":"liometopum-microcephalum","title":"Liometopum microcephalum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLiometopum microcephalum \u003c\/em\u003e(Arboreal Silver Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis small yet mighty arboricolous ant species (solely resides in trees) is rarely seen in the Ant-Keeping hobby. Hailing from Central Europe, \u003cem\u003eLiometopum microcephalum \u003c\/em\u003ehas adapted to surviving both hot summers \u0026amp; cold winters. Making it a hardy and interesting species to keep in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike most other ant species, the queens and workers differ completely in colouration! Whilst the queen is dark brown, the workers are in fact orange and silver! A fantastic contrast in colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis monogynous species of ant has an extremely high growth rate similar to that of \u003cem\u003eSolenopsis invicta. \u003c\/em\u003eFounding queens will often lay about 30-50 eggs, all of which eclose at around the same time. This sets a strong precedent for future colony growth as brood piles in this species become very abundant and present throughout the entirety of the nest. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhilst this species doesn't have another caste, it does present a degree of polymorphism as some worker ants are significantly larger than the others!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo ward off predators or enemies, these ants will secrete a lemon like scent in an attempt to ward off these unwanted visitors. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eL.microcephalum \u003c\/em\u003ewill extrensively forage in large trails in search of any insects, fruits, honeydew and other sugary substances. Therefore, it is advisable to be prepared to offer them a large space when the colony begins to really explode in growth as mature nests can often contain more than 10,000 individuals!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a highly active \u0026amp; territorial species of ant, look no further!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen | 3-10 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":65734266224989,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 12-20 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":65734266257757,"sku":null,"price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/0f671a_88b4e5e63b68478a8b8fc7f622e41bea_mv2.jpg?v=1788007875","url":"https:\/\/www.antshq.co.uk\/products\/liometopum-microcephalum","provider":"Ants HQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}